DR Congo Economic Outlook
A resource-rich but underdeveloped economy:
The DRC is one of Africa’s most resource-endowed countries, boasting vast reserves of copper, cobalt, gold, and diamonds. It is the world's largest producer of cobalt, a critical mineral for electric vehicle batteries. Despite this wealth, the country remains among the poorest in the world, with weak infrastructure, political instability, and governance issues constraining economic progress.
Mining-driven growth:The DRC’s economy is heavily reliant on mining, which accounts for over 90% of export earnings. The rise in global demand for critical minerals has boosted foreign investment in the sector, particularly from China, which dominates cobalt processing. However, the sector faces challenges, including environmental concerns, illegal mining activities, and disputes over taxation and contract transparency. The government has sought to renegotiate mining deals to secure better revenue-sharing agreements.
Infrastructure and governance bottlenecks:Poor infrastructure, lack of reliable electricity, and security risks—particularly in the eastern regions—hinder economic diversification. The government has attempted to improve investment conditions through reforms in public finance and business regulation, but progress has been slow. The DRC's high levels of corruption and weak institutions remain major deterrents to long-term economic development.
DRC’s economic outlook:The country is expected to grow moderately, driven by strong demand for its mineral exports. However, diversification beyond the extractive sector is essential for the DRC’s economic growth to be sustainable in the long term. Addressing governance challenges, improving transport and energy infrastructure, and promoting sustainable resource management will be crucial to ensuring broader economic development. While the DRC has immense economic potential, realizing it will require deep structural reforms.
DR Congo's Macroeconomic Analysis:
Nominal GDP of USD 66.4 billion in 2023.
Nominal GDP of USD 66.4 billion in 2023.
Nominal GDP of USD 66.4 billion in 2023.
GDP per capita of USD 664 compared to the global average of USD 10,589.
GDP per capita of USD 664 compared to the global average of USD 10,589.
GDP per capita of USD 664 compared to the global average of USD 10,589.
Average real GDP growth of 6.1% over the last decade.
Average real GDP growth of 6.1% over the last decade.
Average real GDP growth of 6.1% over the last decade.
Sector Analysis
In 2022, services accounted for 33.5% of overall GDP, manufacturing 18.0%, other industrial activity 31.1%, and agriculture 17.4%. Looking at GDP by expenditure, private consumption accounted for 62.7% of GDP in 2023, government consumption 7.9%, fixed investment 32.1%, and net exports -2.7%.International trade
In 2022, manufactured products made up 15.6% of total merchandise exports, mineral fuels 0.0%, food 0.7%, ores and metals 83.1% and agricultural raw materials 0.5%, with other categories accounting for 0.1% of the total. In the same period, manufactured products made up 56.3% of total merchandise imports, mineral fuels 24.3%, food 7.9%, ores and metals 10.4% and agricultural raw materials 1.1%, with other goods accounting for 0.0% of the total. Total exports were worth USD 29.60 billion in 2023, while total imports were USD 28 billion.Main Economic Indicators
Economic growthThe economy recorded average annual growth of 6.1% in the decade to 2023. To read more about GDP growth in DR Congo, go to our dedicated page.
Fiscal policy
DR Congo's fiscal balance was stable in the decade to 2022. Find out more on our dedicated page.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate averaged 4.7% in the decade to 2023. For more information on DR Congo's unemployment click here.
Inflation
Inflation averaged 11.4% in the decade to 2023. Go to our DR Congo inflation page for extra insight.
Monetary Policy
DR Congo's monetary policy rate ended 2024 at 25.00%, up from 2.00% a decade earlier. See our DR Congo monetary policy page for additional details.
Exchange Rate
From end-2014 to end-2024 the Congolese franc weakened by 81.5% vs the U.S. dollar. For more info on the Congolese franc, click here.
Economic situation in DR Congo
Recently released World Bank data showed that GDP growth fell to 6.7% in 2024 from 8.6% in 2023 due to a slowdown in the industrial sector. Turning to 2025, economic growth appears to be cooling further. In Q1, year-on-year copper production stagnated and cobalt output shrank at a steeper pace. Moreover, a ban on cobalt exports from February until September is set to further dent economic activity. Heightened conflict in the country’s east with the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 likely posed another hurdle to growth in H1. However, the DRC and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal on 27 June, which is set to normalize activity in the east and boost trade and investment. Following the truce, a U.S. company backed a USD 760 million hydropower plant on the Ruzizi River. Nonetheless, the truce is still fragile as talks between the DRC and M23 progress slowly.DR Congo Economic Forecasts
Projections out to 2034.44 indicators covered including both annual and quarterly frequencies.
Consensus Forecasts based on a panel of 9 expert analysts.
Want to get insight on the economic outlook for DR Congo in the coming years? FocusEconomics collects projections out to 2034 on 44 economic indicators for DR Congo from a panel of 9 analysts at the leading national, regional and global forecast institutions. These projections are then validated by our in-house team of economists and data analysts, and averaged to provide one Consensus Forecast you can rely on for each indicator. This means you avoid the risk of relying on out of date, biased or outlier forecasts. Our Consensus Forecasts can be visualized in whichever way best suits your needs, including via interactive online dashboards , direct data delivery and executive-style reports which combine analysts' projections with timely written analysis from our in-house team of economists on the latest developments in the DR Congo economy. To download a sample report on the DR Congo's economy, click here. To get in touch with our team for more information, fill in the form at the bottom of this page.